High Quality Ripcharge 5 Amp MPPT Solar Charge Controller For 12 Volt Lead-Acid Batteries

The Ripcharge MPPT Solar Charge Controller fully assembled pcb module (enclosure not included)

Why I made it... I needed a low-cost mppt solar charge controller with low quiescent current with load output, low voltage disconnect and power path.

Suitable for charging all types of 12 Volt Lead-Acid batteries. Suitable power sources are most 18V (typically 36 cell) solar panels up to an Absolute maximum of 60 watts (max. VOC 23V) (Tc: 21°C) If maximum input is used, additional cooling / ventilation should be provided, especially if enclosed!!

There are many methods to achieve maximum power point tracking, but in a nut shell a typical pwm charge controller in optimum conditions* will give you a maximum of 70-78% of the solar panels rated maximum power, mppt can achieve <>>95% of a solar panels rated maximum power in optimum conditions and will produce greater output in most lighting conditions. Mppt 'clamps' the voltage at the Vmp of the solar panel (most solar panels / modules have a label on the reverse giving this and other technical parameters), The Mpp on the solar charge controller is determined by two easily replaceable resistors, but as default it is set to 18v. This allows for a solar panel Vmp range tolerance of 17.1V to 18.4V Vmp, which will cater for many panels as standard. If your panel has a different Vmp, You need to change two resistors (R5 & R6) The two resistor values can be calculated as follows: Vmppt = 1.205 * (1 + (R5 / R6)). This is a typical value, there will be a little error. Excess solar voltage above required battery charging voltage is buck converted (stepped down), providing increased charging current.

The result seen in photo 3 is from a 10 watt monocrystaline solar panel.

Optimum conditions - The output power performance of a solar panel and by definition the solar charge controller is affected by many environmental conditions, especially temperature (monocrystaline silicon power output can drop as much as 30% when temperature goes above 25 degrees Celsius (for example your panel label will show this as Tc: 25°C) and then there is cloud, haze or scattered light and shadowing, all have an impact on output, so for example, you might see Blue sky and sunshine, but often the sky is not clear, the blue sky and sun are diffused, light is scattered or hazed.

Features and Functions:

MPPT - Maximum Power Point Tracking - Default set for solar panels with a Vmp of 18V (range acceptable 17.1V to 18.4V Vmp - Vmp can be found on the back of you solar panel - if your panels Vmp is not in this range, we have purposely made the two resistors (R5&R6) through hole type for easy replacement. please contact us how to calculate required resistor values to ensure optimum performance) Absolute Maximum input power 60 Watts (Tc: 21°C) If maximum input is used, additional cooling / ventilation should be provided!! Recommended: <=50 Watts 3 stage charging process - Bulk, Absorption, Float Maximum charge current 5 Amps Load out - Maximum 3 Amps constantly on (so you can connect a device without fear of over discharging the battery, if you want to). POWER PATH - When the battery is fully charged the load will be powered by excess solar panel power at battery voltage, thus extending battery life and duration LVD - Low voltage disconnect - disconnects load when battery drops to 11V, reconnects load at 12.6V (protects battery damage from over discharge) - Blue LED illuminates to indicate battery load disconnect / low battery Red LED illumination = battery charging, Green LED illumination = battery fully charged.

Solar panel anti-back-flow protection - battery will not discharge during the night. Battery over voltage protection Solar input reverse polarity protection Load output over current protection Solar / DC input over current protection Overall efficiency 93.5% (measured battery voltage @ 12.4V) SIZE: 100mm x 50mm x 25mm - No case supplied - many low cost enclosures or junctions boxes can be used LEDs are purposely made through hole type for easy removal / to extend them on wires for mounting in enclosures etc. Quiescent current 240uA , 10mA during charging process. Quality large screw terminals so you can use any cable up to 6mm2 - This is for convenience and ease of use, if you wish to attach ready made mc4 cables for example.